Chris DiLella is entering his 10th season on staff and transitioned back to being the Special Teams and Recruiting Coordinator, while continuing to coach the Linebackers at the start of the 2021 fall season. In that time he coached Wiley Henshaw ’22 to 2nd team all-conference as a punter while his Special Teams units consistently ranked in the top half of the conference
The 2018 season saw DiLella take over as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach. In his first game he coached the first shutout on Crain Field since 2013. The 2018 season saw massive improvements for the Rhodes Defense as 6 Rhodes defenders made all Conference, including D’On Coofer who was named to the d3football.com All-Region and All-American teams. Rhodes also gave up 10 less points and 100 less yards per game.
The 2017 season was his third on the Rhodes College football staff. DiLella spent his first season as the running backs coach before transitioning into the defensive line coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator for two seasons prior to his promotion.
DiLella came to Rhodes from Gettysburg College where he served as the team’s wide receivers and wing backs coach. During his time, Gettysburg was the only team in the Centennial College to average over 30 points, 430 yards/game, and 5.6 points/play from 2008 through 2013. DiLella also served as the Punt Team Coordinator as well as the Head JV coach and Offensive Coordinator.
Prior to Gettysburg, DiLella spent two seasons as a Defensive Graduate Assistant at Castleton State College, coaching the Outside Linebackers and Defensive Line. In 2010, the Spartans achieved a winning record in only their second season as a program, going 5-4. He also served as the team’s video coordinator.
He started his career at his alma mater, King’s College, where he served as an assistant coach/Head JV Coach, coaching the wide receivers, running backs, and assisting with special teams. He was a member of the team as a quarterback and wide receiver from 2005-09.
DiLella earned his bachelor degree in History with a Secondary Education Certification in 2009 from King’s College and went on to earn his Masters in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Castleton State in 2012.
DiLella Resides in Memphis with his Wife Belen, Son Luciano, and Daughter Eliana
